Hurricanes captain Eric Staal, goaltender Cam Ward and second-year forward Jeff Skinner have been named to the 2012 NHL All-Star Game ballot. Fans can also write-in their favorite player who does not appear on the ballot.

Staal is a four-time All-Star, and last season he captained Team Staal in the 2011 NHL All-Star Weekend. He had two goals in last year’s game, as Team Lindstrom edged Team Staal, 11-10. Staal was named MVP of the 2008 All-Star Game in Atlanta as he recorded two goals and an assist.

Ward’s first appearance in an All-Star Game came last season in Raleigh. A part of Team Staal, Ward made 10 saves in his home building.

Skinner made an All-Star appearance last year in his first season in the league. Originally selected as one of 12 rookies to compete in All-Star Weekend, Skinner was added to the game roster in January as an injury replacement. He recorded an assist in the game, his only point on the night.

This season’s All-Star Game will be hosted by the Ottawa Senators on January 29. Voting begins today, Monday, November 14, and concludes on Thursday, January 4.

Fans can vote for their top six All-Stars - three forwards, two defenseman and a goalie - each day of various digital platforms. For the fifth straight NHL All-Star Game, the balloting process is entirely digital, offering fans the ability to vote via mobile devices and online.

The three forwards, two defensemen and one goalie with the most votes will be named first NHL All-Stars.